The League people
The people of the League consider themselves to be the most cultured of the Empire – they appreciate fine things, subtle schemes, skill at arms, opera, theatre, ballet and court dance. Almost everything is for sale in the cities; and everything is on show. They appreciate flair and wit. Those who wait on the table of a Merchant Princess are as likely prized for their subtle humour as their knowledge of etiquette. Every person of rank in the League is expected to be able to hold their own with verbal banter from their host and even members of their host’s household. So if the person serving your wine doesn’t make a veiled comment about your tailor it’s often considered something of an insult, as if your host didn’t think you would be sharp enough to have a ready retort.
The people are famed for their devotion to the arts, architecture and to the development of sciences and medicine. They claim to have invented theatre and literature and their constant joy in the novel and the clever has given the Empire both the printing press and the crossbow. Furhter, League explorers have expanded the Empire’s knowledge of foreign lands and even gone so far as to establish embassies and trade delegations outside the borders of the Empire. The Synod has expressed concerns about these embassies and on more than one occasion, but the benefits they bring to the Empire have so far outweighed any danger peaceful relations with foreigners might represent.
League society prizes loyalty, but scorns servility and everyone is expected to give as good as they receive. More than anything, the League is committed to the Empire. They don’t speak of it much, but the opportunities and the civilization that the Empire brings is something that many are prepared to die – or preferably kill – to preserve. Imperial rule has brought peace and prosperity but because the citizens of the League see themselves as the pre-eminent people of the Empire, they tend to view the Empire very possessively - as if the whole thing were arranged for their benefit.